Expat Guide to Indonesia

Everything you need to know about living and working in Indonesia.

The B211A visa is the most common for digital nomads: 60-day stay, extendable twice for 60 days each (total 180 days). Apply through a visa agent for approximately $200-350 including extensions. The Second Home Visa offers 5-10 year residency for those with $130,000+ in an Indonesian bank or equivalent assets. The KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) is for workers with Indonesian employers. There is no official digital nomad visa, though one has been discussed. The Investor KITAS requires $1 million+ investment. Visa regulations change frequently — always verify current rules before traveling.

Progressive income tax rates from 5% to 35% for tax residents (spending 183+ days per year). Non-residents pay a flat 20% on Indonesian-source income. Remote workers operating in a legal gray zone (working on tourist/B211A visas for foreign companies) technically aren't taxed on foreign income, but this is an unresolved legal area. Indonesia has double taxation treaties with many countries. VAT is 11% (increasing to 12% in 2025). The tax system is modernizing with improved enforcement — consult a local tax advisor if earning Indonesian-source income.

Private healthcare is recommended for all expats. Hospital quality varies dramatically — international hospitals in Jakarta (Pondok Indah, Siloam, RSPI), Bali (BIMC, Siloam Bali), and other major cities provide good care. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — serious medical issues may require evacuation to Singapore or Bangkok. BPJS (public health insurance) is available to KITAS holders. Private insurance costs $100-300/month from providers like Pacific Cross, William Russell, or Cigna. Dental care is affordable and generally good quality in major cities.

BCA (Bank Central Asia) and Mandiri are the largest banks. Opening a bank account requires KITAS (work/residence permit) — those on tourist or B211A visas cannot open standard accounts. Workaround: some agents can help open accounts with specific documentation. ATMs are widespread (though not always reliable in rural areas). Wise is essential for international transfers. GoPay, OVO, and Dana are widely used mobile payment platforms. Cash is still important, especially outside Bali and Jakarta. Currency exchange offices in tourist areas often have poor rates — use ATMs or Wise instead.

7.7

Bali

💰 $1100/mo🌡️ 27°C

Bali is a tropical paradise that has become the world's most Instagram-famous digital nomad destination. Lush rice terraces, world-class surf, spiritu...